tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68570133630906498722015-09-16T22:55:47.882-07:00Perfectly Shaped WorldVivacious, curvaceous real 'normal' women who love to shop.MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-65135068328011558062007-12-15T17:56:00.000-08:002007-12-15T18:21:54.924-08:00Channeling my Inner Martha - Part II love Martha Stewart as a person. Anyone creative enough to pull off the phenomenal handiwork she does is a goddess in my book.<br /><br />The demonic presence that taunts me into thinking I can emulate her skills and handiwork must be channeled carefully and ignored if at all possible. I call this demon my Inner Martha. She hovers just behind my left shoulder and whispers in my ear, with a soft reassuring voice, each time I do not save a milk carton or egg crate or plastic shopping bag.<br /><br /><i>"You know, dear, you could easily transform that simple spare paperclip into an absolutely exquisite holiday centerpiece, with just a few dabs of hot glue, a small bit, say fifteen yards, of wide red velvet ribbon edged with ivory lace trim, some dried sprigs of holly, a handful of imported cinnamon sticks, fourteen paper doilies with the edges trimmed just so (use this handy pattern I'm faxing to you), 32 twigs of lavender, two dozen lengths of fiddle fern, a discarded strawberry basket turned upside down and spray painted white, and just a teensy bit of baby's breath tucked into the lower left edge. Nestle a four-inch hand thrown clay bowl in the center of the fern cluster, then toss in 12 ounces of orange peel potpourri, warmed slightly over the homemade vanilla votive candle, and - you're done! See how simple that was?"</i><div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/aYIqO5Uubno" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com7http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/12/channeling-my-inner-martha-part-i.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-89642837780691379102007-12-15T16:39:00.000-08:002007-12-15T17:03:42.725-08:00Busting Tradition, Madness and Holiday StressStress.<br /><br />It's what drives many of us to the end of our wits during the holiday season. It's what makes many of us depressed and panicky between Thanksgiving and New Years. It's what drives mom to the madhouse and pop to the poorhouse once a year. <br /><br />When it's time for New Years resolutions to get written and stuffed in a drawer, many of our lists will contain a telling line: Take it easy next December. <br /><br />It'll be forgotten by then, sadly, and many of us will go nuts, decorate too much, address too many holiday cards, bake too much, try to accept as many invitations as we can, party too much, spend too much, worry too much, eat too much, fret too much.<br /><br />We climb on the stress train almost without realizing it, then wonder why we're physically, mentally and spiritually exhausted by New Years Day. We want things to be perfect for our families, our friends, our selves, so we go overboard. We overextend for 1/12th of the year, then spend the next eleven months wondering why we're secretly dreading the holidays.<br /><br />"But we've always opened a huge pile of presents under the tree at 8 PM on Christmas Eve, then driven through the drifts to grandmother's house for caroling, cookies and more presents and a huge dinner!" We do a lot of this in the name of tradition. <br /><br />Maybe it's time for some new traditions.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/Wgbd1oRZpc8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com1http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/12/busting-tradition-madness-and-holiday.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-12955447855534426852007-12-13T20:46:00.000-08:002008-07-27T17:38:48.750-07:00Perfectly Shaped (and Site Integrated) WorldThis blog is now an integrated part of our Perfectly Shaped World community site at [address removed] You can find this blog and all archived contents by choosing the PSW Blog button from the right-hand Shopper Services menu. This will automatically display the latest post. The post archive is below the latest post, as are any comments for that post. Posts are displayed one per page, as many of our heritage posts exceed reasonable page lengths. The frame containing the post will display a scrollbar only where absolutely necessary.<br /><br />In order to keep everything up to speed, we have also moved over the archived posts from Perfectly Shaped Life, with very few exceptions (time-sensitive posts regarding sales, free shipping, similar offers are not being moved).<br /><br />This move is part of our current effort of bringing all of our services into a seamless community environment. The forum is also available through the Shopper Services menu.<br /><br />Bottom Line: While you can still retrieve posts from this very bare page, the experience will be far more complete by visiting the integrated blogs section at [address removed]<br /><br /><br />Update - July 2008:<br />What is it they say about good intentions and paving the road to heaven? As it turned out, combining two active blogs into a third Wordpress-based blog ended up being a utopian dream - or nightmare in this case. The blogs steadfastly refused to be combined, gracefully or otherwise. In addition to all that fun, the social club's internal blogs (http://perfectly.ning.com) are completely inaccessible. <br /><br />I'd say we're back to square one, folks. Both Perfectly Shaped World and Perfectly Shaped World II blogs continue to exist, side by side. Some entries continue to be duplicates. But I'm still not giving up.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/rGdIBm7ShwY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com0http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/12/perfectly-shaped-and-site-integrated.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-46610934339627706002007-12-11T17:49:00.000-08:002007-12-13T20:33:17.906-08:00Changing the Way We Look (and Feel)If you've grown used to the way our blogs look, and they feel a bit threadbare, don't despair. We are integrating the blog straight into the website, and that means stripping out a bunch of froufrou, doodads and geegaws that will just get in your way over there.<br /><br />By integrating the blog, the forum and the rest of the tools straight into the site, we can take the next step toward releasing a fully integrated Plus Size community for the New Normal Woman. If that's you, we hope you'll feel welcomed and right at home!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/682tOlKzFpQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com0http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/12/changing-way-we-look-and-feel.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-62694646403821812582007-11-19T07:14:00.000-08:002007-11-19T07:34:51.631-08:00RealityPlus Clothing Company to the Rescue!New Normal Women, take heart. Sisters, hear my cries of joy -- we have a kindred spirit riding to our rescue, at the helm of RealityPlus Clothing Company, LLC, bringing fashionable apparel specifically designed for the plus sized woman, <b>not just 'scaled up' from a size 3 model's specifications.</b> The paint is barely drying on the walls of their new brick-and-mortar place, but the website is up, running perfectly and looking as well tuned as a brand new Coach shoulder bag.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.realityplusclothing.com/"><img src="http://www.perfectlyshapedworld.com/images/greensuit.jpg" border="0" style="float:right; margin: 5px; padding: 5px;"></a><br />You may have read last week's post about <a href="http://www.realityplusclothing.com/">RealityPlus Clothing Company, LLC</a>, a brand new establishment completely dedicated to the fashion challenges of the New Normal Woman.<br /><br />Yesterday (11/18/2007), I had the opportunity to interview <b>Beth Anne Herrin</b>, Founder and CEO of RealityPlus Clothing Company.<br /><br />Frustrated by the lack of clothing choices for plus size women like herself, Beth Anne Herrin is doing something about it. Starting in October, the Cincinnati-based fashion designer, who has worked for several well-known labels, will offer a line of high-quality, affordable clothing for the plus size market through her new <a href="http://www.realityplusclothing.com/">RealityPlus Clothing Company, LLC.</a> [excerpt: RealityPlus Clothing Company Press Release 20 October 2007]<br /><br /><b>PSW: How long has RealityPlus Clothing been open?</b><br /><i>Beth Anne:</i><br />In my mind a lifetime...in reality, only about 4 weeks. Our web site went live October 14th.<br /><br /><b>PSW: Exciting! Where is the store itself, for those who may want to visit?</b><br /><i>Beth Anne:</i> <br />Well...we were originally set up to be internet only. But with heavy customer response, we are opening our first store the day after Thanksgiving @ <b>339 W. Bensen Street in Cincinnati, Ohio</b>. The store will be unique because the design studios will be right on the premises, so customers will be able to see how fashion happens from "idea to aisle" and will be invited to provide feedback on the spot! <br /><br /><b>PSW: I can see Project Runway fans inundating you instantly! </b><br /><i>Beth Anne:</i> <br />I hope they do come! I believe this customer has a voice that has been silenced for far too long! <br /> <br /><b>PSW: Sounds like a completely fresh approach. Can we order custom items on the spot for later fitting?</b><br /><i>Beth Anne:</i> <br />Not right now, but hopefully in the future. We will have access to top notch alterations specialists in case someone needs adjustments on their purchase.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.realityplusclothing.com" target="_blank"><img style="float:right; margin: 5px; padding: 10px" src="http://www.realityplusclothing.com/images/img_collections/limited_editions.gif" border="0"></a><br /><b>PSW: How did RealityPlus Clothing come into existence? Mind telling us something about your own background? </b><br /><i>Beth Anne:</i><br />Sure! Fashion has been in me for a long time. When I was very young, my dad recognized my love of art, and replaced my lined coloring books with blank sketch pads! I entered University of Cincinnati Design College (DAAP) in 1976, and have been working in the fashion industry ever since! RealityPlus Clothing was born from a personal need. I have been a plus size consumer all my life, and while designing beautiful clothes for smaller size women, I just wanted to be able to wear some of the wonderful things made in sizes 0-12!! And....I was tired of being exiled to the "basement" in other department stores! <br /><br />(<a href="http://www.perfectlyshapedworld.com/?cpage=newsletters/realityplus_interview&title=RealityPlus Clothing Interview"><i>Read the complete interview...</i></a>)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/_qOLSDV-FeU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com2http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/11/realityplus-clothing-company-to-rescue.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-18371887821148833462007-11-15T18:59:00.000-08:002007-11-15T19:19:37.209-08:00Stumbling Over Diamonds: RealityPlus Clothing CompanyEver had one of those days where you're just ambling along the side roads, minding your own business, and suddenly trip over the biggest diamond you've ever seen? No? Well, it happened to me today.<br /><br /><img style="float:right; " src="http://www.realityplusclothing.com/images/img_collections/limited_editions.gif">Allow me to introduce you to <a href="http://www.realityplusclothing.com/">RealityPlus Clothing Company, LLC.</a> Not only am I going to introduce you, but I'm going to hop up and down until you go check out this precious gem.<br /><br /><br />The first thing you will notice is that this is a company that understands plus size women, our specific fit and style needs, our yearning for truly fashion conscious design, and our desire for fabrics that don't look like they used to be someone's tropical-flower kitchen curtains. <br /><br />Stay tuned for the upcoming interview with Beth Ann Herrin, founder of RealityPlus Clothing Company. Let's find out more about this marvelous person and the breath-taking fashion and apparel contributions she is providing to our perfectly shaped world.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/VOwNaRx1ZJU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com1http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/11/stumbling-over-diamonds-realityplus.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-63044360331397500072007-11-14T10:40:00.000-08:002007-11-14T15:51:03.886-08:00Plus Size Shopping and the Diplomacy DilemmaEvery day we are bombarded by advertising, admonishing us to get brighter teeth, bouncier hair, clearer skin, more vibrant smiles, higher energy, slimmer waistlines, better investments, cleaner kitchens, fresher breath, faster cars, more energy efficient refrigerators, more rewarding jobs... and if we do all that, we will be as carefree and happy and wonderful as the MODELS in the ads themselves.<br /><br />News Flash: We're smarter than that.<br /><br />That will not stop ad agencies from doing their level best to sell us on the necessity of imminent change if we're going to truly feel good about ourselves. It's their job to do so. They must make us want to change. Even if we don't particularly want to.<br /><br />But ad agencies aim their message at the stars. They broadcast to the masses, to a wide audience of viewers, readers, listeners. They don't worry about one particular individual being insulted or offended by the mass message.<br /><br />Perfectly Shaped World grows because of word of mouth. It relies on real perfectly shaped people telling other people that they have found a place to shop for a wide range of plus size fashions and apparel under one roof.<br /><br />Many people hesitate to use the subject of weight and dress size in conversation. So, what's the best way to let someone know about Perfectly Shaped World? I'd like to hear your ideas.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/mW5eMkJ-iQI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com1http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/11/plus-size-shopping-and-diplomacy.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-65012569722827255842007-11-08T08:49:00.000-08:002007-12-13T20:33:17.908-08:00Plus Size Shopping Glut in Suburbia<b>MISSING: High-end, plus-sized fashion for suburban women</b><br />by Patrice Poltzer <br />Nov 06, 2007<br />Found in Chicago's Medill Reports<br /><br /><br />Lizzie Pugliani, 27, loves shopping for fashionable clothes.<br /><br />Like many women her age, the olive-skinned, fashion-savvy brunette scours the fashion magazines reading up on the latest designer duds and runway trends.<br /><br />But there is, literally, one marked difference between Pugliani shopping for designer clothing and other young women shopping for designer clothing. The Park Ridge native is a size 14.<br /><br />And in the world of high-end fashion, that size is virtually nonexistent. <br /><br />"It is extremely frustrating because you are limited," said Pugliani. "All the stuff you see in magazine, you just know it’s damn near impossible to get really fashionable items in my size."<br /><br />What also has been damn near impossible is locating a suburban boutique that carries high-end, plus-sized clothing. If such a shop is out there, there are plus-sized fashionistas looking for you!<br /><br />And while stores such as Lane Bryant, Nordstrom and Torrid offer high-quality, plus-sized clothing at reasonable prices, where are all the hipster, one-of-a-kind boutiques for plus-sized women who want to drop some serious cash on clothes? (<a href="http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=68187" target="_blank">more...</a>)<br /><br />---<br /><br />It seems to me that the fashion industry would be rushing to fill this gap, and that boutique owners would be shifting to accommodate the New Normal. We represent a dilemma, ladies! <br /><br />This post from Chicago just serves to reinforce our commitment to Perfectly Shaped World and its strong plus size presence. Grab a place on our newsletter list today. <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=pIAuluhnoQ4aqCuz3c2aWQ_3d_3d" title="Sign up FREE for the Perfectly Shaped World Newsletter">Grab a place on our newsletter list today. <br><br /><img src="http://www.perfectlyshapedworld.com/images/signup.png" border="0"></a><br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/links.php?owner=caseyfern&postid=08Nov2007"><img border="0" src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/graphic.php?owner=caseyfern&postid=08Nov2007"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/LiKv8BQiJiY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com1http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/11/plus-size-shopping-glut-in-suburbia.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-419075392768736522007-11-03T02:02:00.000-07:002007-12-13T20:33:17.909-08:00Avenue Bought by Redcats USARedcats USA, a subsidiary of a French retail company, said Thursday it has completed its tender offer for Rochelle Park-based United Retail Group Inc.<br /><br />Redcats USA, a leading catalog retailer, in September said it would pay $199 million, or $13.70 a share, to acquire United Retail, the company that operates 483 Avenue plus-size women's clothing stores. The offer represented an 82 percent premium on United Retail's pre-offer stock price of Sept. 10 and analysts hailed the deal as good news for shareholders.<br /><br />United Retail Group founder and Chief Executive Officer Raphael Benaroya, and Redcats USA CEO Eric Faintreny said in a conference call with The Record on Thursday that the merger will benefit both companies.<br /><br />"It's a perfect match because Avenue and Redcats operate in the same market segment of the plus size," said Faintreny. "We can help Avenue grow faster on the Web, and the retail expertise of Avenue can help us to try some of our successful brands at retail." (<a href="http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk3NDImZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTcyMTU5NDAmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyMg==" target="new">read more</a>)<br /><br />---<br /><br />Sounds like an optimal acquisition. It puts Avenue under the same roof as such powerhouses as Roaman's, Chadwick's and Jessica London, solid names in the plus size apparel domain. My instincts tell me this is a great indicator, reinforcing awareness that our plus size perfectly shaped world is a significant and meaningful demographic.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/pIVjZ42_FCc" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com0http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/11/avenue-bought-by-redcats-usa.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-87864794973426366752007-10-28T01:30:00.000-07:002007-12-13T20:33:17.910-08:00Three Cheers to Karl Lagerfeld[I just found this in last week's People Magazine - no idea how I missed this the first time through]<br /><br /><b>Chanel Nixes Too-Thin Models</b><br />Karl Lagerfeld is quoted as saying: "I have nothing against skinny girls. But these were terrible. They looked as if they had grown up in a Third World country with no food to eat. I sent them back to the agency. I didn't think they should be modeling." <i>People Magazine, Oct 29, 2007</i><br /><br />Clone him, Chanel. Hopefully the fashion industry as a whole will start to recognize that no super-ultra-thin model comes close to representing the New Normal (us!).<br /><br />Don't forget to sign up for the new PSW Newsletter, cheerfully delivered to your e-doorstep on Monday morning (in time to get some good lunch-hour shopping done, if you're on the West Coast). <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=pIAuluhnoQ4aqCuz3c2aWQ_3d_3d">Sign up here.</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/yPHiJ-Re00o" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com0http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/10/three-cheers-to-karl-lagerfeld.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-88919147898986700242007-10-27T23:56:00.000-07:002007-12-13T20:33:17.911-08:00Remember our Mantra!We're curvaceous, audacious, bold, beautiful, voluptuous, sensuously shapely, and we dress to show off our beautiful selves! We live in our perfectly shaped world comfortably fashion-forward and proud of it. We celebrate ourselves and our world.<br /><br />Just because we're changing website domain names and blog names does not mean that we are losing focus on our purpose. Remember, also, we are the New Normal. We are the New Average. We shall dress beautifully and well.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/VtkuIlghujY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com0http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/10/remember-our-mantra.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-71839734151732688652007-10-27T23:31:00.000-07:002007-12-13T20:33:17.913-08:00Plus Size Clothing [while I figure out the rest of the move][Thanks for the patience as I completely unravel and reconstruct Perfectly Shaped Life into the Perfectly Shaped World blog, website and forum ...and while I figure out all the intricacies of moving a year-old site to a brand new domain, here's a read of interest to all of us New Normal shoppers]<br /><br /><b>Plus Size Clothing</b><br />By <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Katya_Coen">Katya Coen</a><br /><br />If you are not a plus-size person, you may not have ever used plus-size clothing. In fact, you may not even be familiar with the term. But if you are a larger than average or "plus-size" individual, the term must have become a part of your shopping vocabulary.<br /><br /><B>What is Plus-Size Clothing?</B><br />Plus-size clothing is clothing between the numerical sizes of 14W and upwards to size 26 (the W stands for women). Also identified as X sizes (1X, 2X, etc), which have numerical size equivalents (check the tag). You may also hear or see plus-size clothing generically referred to as "Women's Sizes." In many major retail stores there is a separate section for plus-size clothing.<br /><br /><B>Difficulties of Finding Larger Sizes</B><br />While the average woman may wear a size 12 - we are not all average sized women. Some of us are smaller in stature and tend to shop in the petite or juniors section of our favorite department store. For those who are larger than average, plus-size clothing can be their only avenue for fashion.<br /><br />For many years, women who wear plus-size clothing have had difficulties in finding their sizes in regular retail stores or at all. When able to find their size, younger women have found it even more difficult to find fashionable clothing in plus-sizes. Now, however, due to the growth in the plus-size clothing market, many countries are seeing an increase in specialty stores who carry lines specifically targeted to plus-size women. <br /><br /><B>Specialty Chain Stores</B><br />One of the most recognizable stores in the United States is Lane Bryant, who offers a variety of styles including business, casual, and dress clothing for larger women. Lane Bryant practices another major feature of plus-size clothing shopping - the convenience of online shopping and mail order catalogs.<br /><br />The specialty store Torrid specifically targets younger and more fashion conscious plus-size women. Similar to Lane Bryant in the types of clothing offered, Torrid is more concentrated with younger women and teens.<br /><br /><B>Internet Shopping</B><br />The Internet has opened up the plus-size clothing market for many consumers. Women are able to browse stores and brands that are far outside their geographical location. While shopping for clothing online does not allow for trying on the clothing before purchase, the ready availability of a broader numerical size range can be a big draw for plus-size women. Shoppers can view styles, comparison shop and be linked to similar stores. The Internet offers something your local mall will not in connection with plus-size clothing - lots of selection. Simply type in the keyword plus-size clothing into your search engine, and you will find hundreds of sites that will offer just the type of clothing you are looking for in your size.<br /><br /><B>Growing Marketplace</B><br />With obesity rates on the increase, particularly in the United States, offering a plus-size clothing line can now be a major draw for retailers. Stores such as Wal-Mart have continually expanded their Women's sections to offer a broader selection. As plus-size people become a larger part of the mainstream, plus-size clothing placement in the marketplace can only become more prominent.</p><br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 1px; padding-left: 10px; border-left: 2px solid #222222;"><br />Katya Coen provides information on <a target="_new" href="http://plussizeclothing.a1-market.com/category/fashionable-plus-sized-clothing/">fashionable plus size clothing</a> and other <a target="_new" href="http://plussizeclothing.a1-market.com/">plus size clothing</a> topics for <a target="_new" href="http://www.a1-market.com/">A1 Market</a> - the guide for the Savvy Shopper.<br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Katya_Coen" target="_new">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katya_Coen</a><br><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Plus-Size-Clothing&id=797349" target="_new">http://EzineArticles.com/?Plus-Size-Clothing&id=797349</a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/mc5aD302FOs" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com2http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/10/plus-size-clothing-while-i-figure-out.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-57045141946882566162007-10-27T16:41:00.001-07:002007-12-13T20:33:17.913-08:00Progress on the Move, Name ChangeWe secured the domain name and are just now waiting for a bit of server fun. I'm trying to figure out how to move the site from the old name to the new without losing anyone in the process!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/r7mkoK1YJ2Q" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com0http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/10/progress-on-move-name-change.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-79400163920607538492007-10-25T23:57:00.000-07:002007-12-13T20:33:17.914-08:00Welcome Back and Welcome to Our New NameOver the next few days I will figure out how to move the heritage posts about color palette, body image, shopping and the like. Meanwhile, Perfectly Shaped Life is now named Perfectly Shaped World. Also in the next few days, the store will have its very own domain name - aptly perfectlyshapedworld.com - although going to the old Fern's address will still reach the new location. It's all done with mirrors, I'm told.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/dllfEGXprHc" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com0http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/10/welcome-back-and-welcome-to-our-new.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-19511720580645733832007-10-02T20:24:00.000-07:002007-12-13T20:33:17.916-08:00Deciphering the Basics of Color Seasons<i>Originally Posted: Perfectly Shaped Life - October 2007</i><br /><br />If you've been following the series so far, you've had some time to play around with the color display widget and observe the different effects of color palettes for each of the seasons. Now is a good time to go <a href="http://perfectlyshapedlife.blogspot.com/2007/10/how-to-tame-color-palette-demons.html">look at that widget again</a>, and then let's clarify a few more terms.<br /><br /><hr><h4>Part 3: Basics of Colors, Seasons, Warm vs Cool</h4><br /><h5>Warm Colors versus Cool Colors</h5><br /><img style="float:right; margin: 15px; padding: 5px;" src="http://www.fernsgeneralstore.com/images/color-chart1.png" border="0" width="200" height="210">Warm colors are the colors on the color wheel of red, red-orange, orange, orange-yellow, yellow, and yellow-green. <br /><br />Cool colors are the colors on the color wheel of green, green-blue, blue, blue-violet, violet, and violet-red.<br /><br /><hr><h5>Color Season versus Calendar Season</h5><br />When we talk about a color season, we're talking about a selection of colors that work best with a particular eye, skin and hair color combination. This is not to be confused with the Fall Fashion Season 2007 colors toward which many fashion designers will gravitate... which depends entirely on who you talk to, since <a href="http://www.fashiontrendsetter.com/content/color_trends/paul-pelssers-autumn-winter-07-08colors.html" target="new"><i>Paul Pelssers</i></a> says that the season's colors will be rich jeweled shades mixing gypsy, country, Irish and Russian influences, and <a href="http://www.fashiontrendsetter.com/content/color_trends/autumn-winter-07-08-premiere-vision.html" target="new"><i>Premiere Vision</i></a> states "...Shiny or ultra-matt, metallic, not completely plain or concentrated, colours grow languid with a serene and enveloping decency..." while <a href="http://www.fashiontrendsetter.com/content/color_trends/autumn-winter-07-08.html" target="new"><i>Fashion Trendsetter</i></a> swears by "...Bright hues mixed with pale tones, matching colors and opposites...".<br /><br />But no matter who says what: <b>Color seasons are not meant to be worn only during seasons of the year. </b><br /><br />Some color season analyses will take more than physical appearance into account. One such test is found at <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whatseasonwomanareyouquiz/" target="new">What Season Woman Are You</a>, which also considers personality traits.<br /><br />In addition to eye color, some also look at the patterns found in the eye itself. To quote <a href="http://www.colormeaseason.com/spring.html" target="new">Color Me A Season</a>:<br /><div style="margin: 10px; padding: 5px;"><br /><i>Each season has a dominant feature which is shown in the eye. The SUMMER eye appears as crackly glass, WINTER - spokes on a wheel, SPRING - Yellow sunburst around a gray doughnut shape, AUTUMN - Aztec sun directly around the pupil with specks and dots sometimes.</i><br /></div><br /><br />At its most basic, the color seasons can be divided as:<br /><table style="padding: 15px; border: 2px #dddddd solid;" width="60"><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><b>Warm</b></td><td align="left" valign="top"><b>Cool</b></td></tr><tr><td align="left" valign="top">Autumn</td><td align="left" valign="top">Summer</td></tr><tr><td align="left" valign="top">Spring</td><td align="left" valign="top">Winter</td></tr></table><br /><br />Stay tuned... our next step will start to determine your personal color season.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/EFjiOuhMsew" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com1http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/10/deciphering-basics-of-color-seasons.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-10188413666143035452007-10-01T20:23:00.000-07:002007-12-13T20:33:17.919-08:00How to Tame the Color Palette Demons<i>Originally Posted: Perfectly Shaped Life - October 2007</i><br /><br />We've all done it. Run into a store, see the perfect dress / skirt / blouse / outfit, race to try it on, give it the nod of approval, pull out the Mastercard, then get that perfect purchase home and ... HATE IT. The perfect purchase gets returned or stuffed into the back of the closet. Who knows, it might change to a better color after being stored for a few years.<br /><br />One thing that may lie behind bad choices like those is the truth of the color. What looks great in the lighting of the store and dressing room may not look great at all in sunlight or the lighting in your bathroom. One way to avoid lying color is to become very comfortable with your own personal color palette, and that alone will guide you away from that particular color palette demon.<br /><br />But that's not why we're here for Part 2. It's time, instead, to get used to what colors and color combinations look like. Don't laugh too hard - of COURSE you know what blue looks like. Right?<br /><br />(Don't be surprised, though, if someone swears that navy skirt they've got on is really black. Some people cannot tell the difference.)<br /><br /><hr><h4>Part 2: Exploring Color Palette Variations</h4><br /><br />This little widget, courtesy of <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com"><i>WidgetBox</i></a>, is the big brother to the small one in the sidebar to the right. Rather than get into a great big discussion about color palettes and how to select one that matches your hair, skin, and eyes, spend some time looking at the dropdowns to the right of the color bar display - click on a few things, fiddle with the knobs, and get used to how the widget responds. <br /><br />Pay particular attention to the Nature dropdown. Notice that, in addition to the standards of Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter selections, you can visualize Tropical, Wood, and Water. Other dropdowns are Colors, Types and Moods. Spend some time with them before we go further.<br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgetserver.com/syndication/subscriber/InsertPanel.js?panelId=2dc478db-67f2-4e93-a418-e262cc2db602"></script><noscript>Get great free widgets at <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com">Widgetbox</a>!</noscript><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border="0" width="0" height="0" src="http://runtime.widgetbox.com/syndication/track/2dc478db-67f2-4e93-a418-e262cc2db602.gif" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/83ZGqPVnLWc" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com0http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/10/how-to-tame-color-palette-demons.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-16777310559235867312007-10-01T20:21:00.000-07:002007-12-13T20:33:17.920-08:00Are You a Summer, Winter, Spring, Autumn or What?<i>Originally Posted: Perfectly Shaped Life - October 2007</i><br /><br />Each of us has a particular range of color palettes that flatter our natural coloring the best. A special shade of blue that makes our eyes dazzle. That certain green tone that brings out those highlights in your hair. We may not yet know exactly why we gravitate toward a certain color or palette, but it's not voodoo or witchcraft. <br /><br />Anyone can find their true colors, and we're going to get started in that direction in a moment. Let's demystify a few of the terms first:<br /><br /><hr><h4>Part 1: Working the Color Wheel</h4><br /><img style="float:right; margin: 15px; padding: 5px;" src="http://www.fernsgeneralstore.com/images/hsvwheel.png" border="0"><br /><ul>Terms and Definitions<br /><li>Primary: red, yellow, blue<br /><li>Secondary: orange, violet, green - formed by combining primary colors<br /><li>Tertiary: red-orange, red-violet, yellow-green, yellow-orange, blue-green, blue-violet<br /><li>Warm: red, red-orange, orange, yellow-orange, yellow, yellow-green<br /><li>Cool: green, blue-green, blue, blue-violet, violet, red-violet<br /><li>Hue: color<br /><li>Tint: a color blended with white<br /><li>Shade: a color blended with black<br /><li>Value: the darkness or lightness of a hue<br /><li>Saturation: the strength or weakness of a color (the more the color is mixed with other colors, the less saturated it becomes).<br /><li>Monochromatic: of one color, variations on a single color<br /><li>Analogous harmony: two or more neighboring colors (red, red-orange, orange)<br /><li>Complementary: colors on opposite sides of the color wheel (red and green, violet and yellow)<br /></ul><br /><br /><ul>Here's what you will want to have on hand, to get ready for the next part of our exercise.<br /><li>Hair color<br /><li>Skin tone (warm or cool)<br /><li>Eye color (without the contacts)<br /><li>Your absolutely positively most favorite blouse or scarf<br /></ul><div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/5MsIgxKTxws" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com0http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/10/are-you-summer-winter-spring-autumn-or.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-17282087896136989142007-09-25T20:20:00.000-07:002007-12-13T20:33:17.921-08:00Are You a Triangle or Rectangle or Circle?<i>Originally Posted: Perfectly Shaped Life - September 2007</i><br /><br />No matter what beautiful size we are, we all tend to fit into one of five basic body shapes: <font color="#9D1961">Circle, Triangle, Inverted Triangle, Rectangle and Hourglass</font>.<br /><br />These are just guidelines, and other sites may differ radically. One site may say there are two basic types - another may claim four - and yet another may claim seven. <br /><br />Let's use five shapes, since it's a nice prime number, fits with the number of fingers on one hand, and is easy to remember and relate to fashion in general.<br /><br />Now let's talk about each one, shall we? <br /><p><br /><h4>The Circle</h4><img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.designsbyfern.com/images/bs_circle.jpg" width="100" height="150">Some people refer to this body shape as <font color="#9D1961">apple shape</font> or <font color="#9D1961">oval shape</font> in some fashion references, although I find that term a bit silly unless you have a stem sprouting from your neck. <br /><br />Shoulders and hips are narrow compared to the waist. <br /><br />Those of us with circle body shapes need to define our non-existent waists and use V-necklines to lengthen our necks and accentuate our shoulders. Sleeveless tops give the illusion of more shoulder than we truly possess. We need interesting hemlines to give that leggy look (and turn attention away from the waist). We need to avoid hemlines that cut us off too far below the knee and turn us into popsicles.</p><br /><p><br /><hr><h4>The Triangle</h4><br /><img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.designsbyfern.com/images/bs_triangle.jpg" width="100" height="150">Some people refer to this body shape as <font color="#9D1961">cone shape</font> in some fashion references. <br /><br />Shoulders are narrow compared to the hips.<br /><br />Those of us who are triangle shaped need to avoid calling attention to the hip area by using bright colors near the shoulders - scarves, eye-catching necklaces, necklines and collars of interest. Strive for lines that bring the eye upward. Avoid strong waistline definitions. Bring attention to the areas that are needing it, and away from areas that already have too much of it.</p><br /><p><br /><hr><h4>The Inverted Triangle</h4><br /><img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.designsbyfern.com/images/bs_inverted.jpg" width="100" height="150"><br />This body shape is also known as <font color="#9D1961">pear shape</font> in some fashion references.<br /><br />Shoulders are wide compared to the hips. <br /><br />Those of us who are inverted triangle shape need to draw attention away from our nice wide shoulders and down toward waist and hips. Tunic style jackets with jewel collars (no huge lapels), long lean lines that make us look tall, smooth unbroken lines from shoulder to knee. Avoid breaking up those unbroken lines with belts, horizontal visual breakpoints, prominent waistbands. Avoid fashion traps like shoulder pads - no need to accentuate that positive broad shoulder more than necessary! Bring attention down to the narrow end of that inverted triangle with flair.</p><br /><p><br /><hr><h4>The Rectangle</h4><br /><img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.designsbyfern.com/images/bs_rectangle.jpg" width="100" height="150">This body shape is also known as the <font color="#9D1961">box shape</font> in some fashion references.<br /><br />Shoulders and hips are nearly equal, and there is little or no waist definition. <br /><br />Those of us with rectangle body shapes face some interesting challenges, but we can do a lot by focusing on long lean looks, faux belts (or even real ones), and lovely pointed toes on our shoes. Bright scarves, big chunky necklaces, heavy brooches that bring the eye up to your smile. Find your color and stick with it from neck to knee. Use prints cleverly to create the illusion of indentation and shape at the waistline, with colored side panels, faux vertical seams and tucks, shirring at the midriff, diagonal print panels.</p><br /><p><br /><hr><h4>The Hourglass</h4><br /><img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.designsbyfern.com/images/bs_hourglass.jpg" width="100" height="150">This body shape is also known as the <font color="#9D1961">proportioned shape</font> in some fashion references.<br /><br />Shoulders and hips are nearly equal, while waist is narrower.<br /><br />Those of us with hourglass shapes can wear just about anything with great success (and those of us without hourglass shapes will just have to rein in our green-eyed envy demons and dress ourselves beautifully anyway). Aim for apparel that brings the eye to the waist - big bold belts, tightly tailored shirtwaist dresses.<br /><br />Not surprisingly, a lot of off-the-shelf apparel is designed for, and modeled by, hourglass-shaped people. This is a great sales ploy, as a catalog full of nice hourglass-shaped models portrays garments in a very positive note. Unfortunately for many of us, this nice hourglass-shaped positive turns into a negative in the dressing room.<br /></p><br /><br /><hr><h4>Bottom Line</h4>Know your body shape and be comfortable. Keep the tips in mind when looking at your wardrobe, selecting new apparel and accessories, and dressing for absolute success. In future posts, we'll use these icons to guide your attention toward an item or concept that works well for your own body shape.<br /><img src="http://www.designsbyfern.com/images/icon_circle.jpg"><img src="http://www.designsbyfern.com/images/icon_triangle.jpg"><img src="http://www.designsbyfern.com/images/icon_inverted.jpg"><img src="http://www.designsbyfern.com/images/icon_rectangle.jpg"><br /><br /><hr><h4>Remember our Mantra</h4><i>We're curvaceous, audacious, bold, beautiful, voluptuous, sensuously shapely, and we dress to show off our beautiful selves! We live in our perfectly shaped world, comfortably fashion forward and proud of it. We celebrate ourselves and our world.</i><div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/vy9P85n7lC0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com2http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/09/are-you-triangle-or-rectangle-or-circle.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-34420889147773321132007-09-24T20:18:00.000-07:002007-12-13T20:33:17.922-08:00What's in YOUR Closet<i>Originally Posted: Perfectly Shaped Life - September 2007</i><br /><br />I love Tim Gunn. Wait. That came out wrong. I am a huge (pardon the pun) Tim Gunn fan and have fallen in love with his new show <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/Tim_Gunn/index.php" target="new">Tim Gunn's Guide to Style</a> for several reasons - the biggest one of which is that he had the foresight to feature a right-size woman as one of his first makeover 'victims.'<br /><br />JeAnne had recently lost a significant amount of weight, and the Before and After pictures were a clear tribute to her persistence and strength of spirit in her weight-loss endeavor. The show where she is featured is described as "Tim and Veronica give the fashion skinny to a style-impaired woman who recently lost a lot of weight. Included: fitting tips."<br /><hr><h4>Removing my Stress from my Closet</h4>As my weight climbed and my inability to exercise properly took its toll on my old skinny self, I found myself hoarding garments of my past, reciting the reassuring phrase to myself: <i>I'll fit back into these in a few months.</i><br /><br />The few months became a few years, then over a decade, and believe me - I was no closer to getting back into those size 5 neon blue lycra stretch pencil-thin pants than they were getting any closer to being back in style. They kept getting pushed further toward the back in the closet, supplanted by slacks I could actually get my legs into.<br /><br />Keeping those old skinny-years memorabilia in the closet was doing nothing more than causing stress which caused more eating which caused more weight which caused more stress. Oh, and eating up closet space.<br /><br />The solution came in the form of catastrophe. Over the Christmas holidays, a fire swept through a neighbor's house, leaving the family of five homeless, with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Everyone living nearby scrambled at once, gathering donations, coats, furniture, pots and pans, kitchen appliances, children's toys, and of course clothes.<br /><br />No, the neon pants didn't go into the pile headed for the burned-out neighbors... I sent practical and usable items. But the search for the usable items brought some sanity to the closet, and the pants did go into the charity bin, where they should have gone back in the decade when disco first took a nose-dive. They were accompanied by every single bit of clothing under size 16 (except for a silly collection of commemorative tank top tees from chili cookoffs of long ago. They don't take up much space at all, now that I've discovered <a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2626874-10357065?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopperschoice.com%2Fitem_item_1917117.html&cjsku=1917117" target="_blank" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.shopperschoice.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;">Space Bags</a>). <br /><hr><h4>The Second Reason I Love Tim Gunn</h4>Several minutes into the show's purposeful agony of cleansing a closet (four stacks - Keep, Mend, Donate, Ditch - not his exact labels, but you get the drift), Tim and Veronica present their fashion victim with a list of <b>Ten Basic Wardrobe Essentials</b> and begin to steer the Keep choices in the direction of that list's contents. Watch an episode (tape it!) and copy down that list if you possibly can. It's gold. Since my own closet is notorious for its tendency to suffer from acute time warp, I've been trying to copy it so I can post it on the inside of my closet door.<br /><br />Here's what I have on the list so far - anyone have the rest?<br /><br />* classic white shirt<br />* classic dress pants<br />* cashmere sweater<br />* basic black dress<br />* trench coat<br />* properly fit jeans<br />* proper length skirt<br />* a blazer that works with your shape<br />* a day dress<br />* sweat suit alternative<br />* a 'fancy night out' dress<br /><br /><hr><h4>What's in YOUR Closet?</h4>If you're anything like me (or like I was before the neighbors' fire), your closet may be storing a collection of memories instead of a collection of wearable items. I'm not proposing that you run right out and donate everything you own to the charity bin, or ditch it all and buy everything new.<br /><br />But, if you <i>do</i> decide to tackle an out-of-fashion/fit/function exorcism on your closet space, it's important to <b>give yourself permission to ditch things.</b> Try this:<br /><br />Start at the far darkest oldest end of your closet - you know, that place where blouses and skirts migrate if they haven't been worn for awhile and may never get worn again.<br /><br />Take out ONE item and make ONE decision. Put it into one of four stacks:<br />* Keep<br />* Mend<br />* Donate<br />* Ditch<br /><br />... you can always change your mind later.<br /><br />Repeat until you've gone through your entire closet or you've lost the will to carry on.<br /><br />Take a break and recharge your batteries - have some tea or a shot of decaf of your choice. (I don't recommend regular coffee at a time like this - you've got enough stress without having to handle caffeine jitters on top of it!)<br /><br />THEN sort the <b>Keep</b> stack into a <i>Fits Now</i> pile and a <i>Used to Fit</i> pile. Put the <i>Used to Fit</i> pile into the Donate stack. <br /><br />Repeat with the <b>Mend</b> stack. Trim your closet's contents down to items that <i>you will actually wear</i>.<br /><br />Bundle up the <b>Donate</b> stack and go put it in the front seat of your car, drive to the charity of your choice that has a donations bin, and heave it in. Now, before it creeps back onto hangers and into the closet of its own volition.<br /><br />Bundle up the <b>Ditch</b> stack and take it with you, and dump it into a convenient dumpster as far away from your house as possible. Put some distance between you and that bag, so it doesn't find its way home.<br /><br />Seems a bit daunting? Just remember it doesn't have to be done all at once, or done at all! But if your closet is belaboring you with stress, fight back! <br /><br />Sounds too simple to work? It isn't simple - it may be a very difficult and emotional encounter. Power through it, though, if you're going to do it. Call on a friend. Make an afternoon of it. Try stuff on and make your decisions. Tomorrow you can go tackle <i>her</i> closet.<br /><hr><h4>But Most Important of All</h4>Remember our mantra that you, my right-size friend, should repeat every day:<br /><br /><i>We're curvaceous, audacious, bold, beautiful, voluptuous, sensuously shapely, and we dress to show off our beautiful selves! We live in our perfectly shaped world, comfortably fashion forward and proud of it. We celebrate ourselves and our world.</i><div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/Pj0RKjJyySU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com0http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/09/whats-in-your-closet.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-50259223365868913742007-09-24T20:16:00.000-07:002007-12-13T20:33:17.923-08:00The Real Skinny About Plus Size Models<i>Originally Posted: Perfectly Shaped Life - September 2007</i><br /><br />Even at my most slender size five'ness, it was difficult to view the media's portrayal of the Ultimate Female Form as an attainable goal (since I'm 5'4" or so). If we are to believe print and television, videos and movies, the ideal woman seems to be about 5'10" and weighs in just under 115 pounds after a decent meal. <br /><hr><h4>So, What is a Plus-Size Model?</h4>A plus-size model is the term applied to a woman larger than a standard U.S. size 8 who models clothing for consumers wearing a dress size 14 in North American sizing. <i>(Source: Wikipedia)</i> Probably the most recognizable plus-size model is Melissa Aronson (you know her as Emme), at 5'11, who wears a size 16. The plus-size label has been applied (somewhat unfairly in some cases) to other actively working models and stars. One of my absolute favorites is Dana Owens (<a href="http://web.queenlatifah.com/index.jsp" target="new">Queen Latifah</a>), the hallmark face of CoverGirl Cosmetics and a completely unapologetic right-size person. <br /><br />In the last few years, more apparel companies are opening the doors to plus-size product lines, catalogs and online offerings, and are beginning to present wardrobe and apparel on models that are more reflective of what many more of us look like. There is progress, more every day, and there will continue to be progress as long as apparel companies keep recognizing that we are not all Kate Moss hopefuls.<br /><hr><h4>Could I Be a Plus-Size Model?</h4>Wilhelmina Agency began hosting an annual search for plus-size models in the 1990s. More information can be found at <a href="http://www.wilhelminaportfolios.com/modelsearches.cfm" target="new">the Wilhelmina Agency website</a>. Some agencies devote specific departments to plus-size model scouting and promotion, like <a href="http://www.modelscouts.com/plus_size_models.html" target="new">Model Scouts</a>.<br /><br />But for the straight scoop, I'd say listen to <a href="http://telepicturesblog.warnerbros.com/tyrashow/2006/11/what_is_a_plussize_model.html" target="new">the Tyra Banks Show blog entry entitled <i>What is a Plus-Size Model</i></a>. I've noticed that on <i>America's Next Top Model</i>, she has referred to several of the candidates as "plus size model possibilities," and for the most part those candidates have seemed to be not much more than a bit bustier than the "regular girls" on the show.<br /><hr><h4>Give and Get Peer Support</h4>What really captivates me about Tyra Banks' blog are the comments. (The posting is dated November 2006, but the latest comment is from April 2007 - good staying power for a blog entry!) So many responses ask for more information, describing their own right-size lives and circumstances. So many hold out hope for a response, yet there are some comments that speak of discouragement and loss of hope.<br /><br />All the more reason for us right-size sisters to encourage each other to affirm our body image, be comfortable in our own skin and size, seek <i>safe</i> weight loss solutions if that is what we choose to do, and dress like we own the world we're in.<br /><hr><h4>Remember Our Mantra</h4><i>We're curvaceous, audacious, bold, beautiful, voluptuous, sensuously shapely, and we dress to show off our beautiful selves! We live in our perfectly shaped world, comfortably fashion forward and proud of it. We celebrate ourselves and our world.</i><div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/pBOlcb1Muww" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com0http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/09/real-skinny-about-plus-size-models.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-34486909503966089302007-09-22T20:14:00.000-07:002007-12-13T20:33:17.924-08:005 Secrets to Online Shopping Happiness<i>Originally posted: Perfectly Shaped Life - November 2007</i><br /><br />If you view online shopping in the same way you tackle on-the-ground shopping, you may have a lot of fun but you may also find you're not getting the <b>complete value for your dollar</b> that you deserve. Try these simple twists in thinking:<br /><br /><img style="float:left; margin: 15px;" src="http://www.designsbyfern.com/images/1pink.gif"><br />Make sure that <font color="#9D1961">shipping costs</font> are a key factor in your buying decision. In fact, look first for free shipping offers, flat rate shipping offers, super saver shipping and similar offers. Some of these offers are fleeting, with specific expiration dates, but others are company policy or long term (like Amazon's Super Saver Shipping).<br /><br /><img style="float:left; margin:15px;" src="http://www.designsbyfern.com/images/2pink.gif"><br />When you're starting out with online shopping, focus on <font color="#9D1961">heritage items, wardrobe staples and basics</font>. Just like shopping in "real" stores, you'll find you do your <b>best online shopping</b> if you make a list before you start. The big difference is... your online shopping list includes checking for the best possible shipping savings.<br /><br /><img style="float:left; margin: 15px;" src="http://www.designsbyfern.com/images/3pink.gif"><br />Make your purchase decisions based on more than just price. Look for <font color="#9D1961">materials that fit your lifestyle</font> - if you are on the go or hate to iron, pick materials that aren't going to require tons of time invested in upkeep. If you travel extensively, search for items that will pack easily and shake off wrinkles on arrival or after a few hours of hanging. Shop with store sites that give you the information on materials, sizing, fabric and item care to support a buying decision. <br /><br /><img style="float:left; margin: 15px;" src="http://www.designsbyfern.com/images/4pink.gif"><br />Shop seriously for <font color="#9D1961">discount, clearance and seasonal sale offers</font>, but don't let the presence of a sale drive your purchase decision. A neon pink dress that you <i>might</i> wear once is no bargain if you won't enjoy wearing it whenever you want, even if it is half price.<br /><br /><img style="float:left; margin: 15px;" src="http://www.designsbyfern.com/images/5pink.gif"><br />Remain aware that <font color="#9D1961">it takes time for items to arrive</font>, depending on the shipping method you've selected, the distance from the seller's company and your location. This may seem like an obvious thing to point out, but I've found myself checking the front porch way sooner than I should, even though I know very well that the package is going to arrive right on time.<br /><br /><hr><br />Great advice, eh? And now here's some ammunition to get you started: <font color="#9D1961"> free, reduced cost, and flat rate shipping</font> offers (and their expiration dates, if any). I'll be adding more in future posts as I find them.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2626874-10438799" target="_blank" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.oldnavy.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;"><b>Old Navy:</b> Enjoy Old Navy's Famous $5 Shipping! Every order, one great rate.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2626874-10296664" target="_blank"><b>Blair.com:</b> $1.99 Flat Rate Shipping (Exp. 9/30/07)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2626874-10452143" target="_top"><b>Pacific Sunwear:</b> $5 Flat Fee Shipping or FREE when you spend $75</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2626874-5032617" target="_top"><b>Forzieri.com: </b>Free Shipping on all orders of $98 or more</a> Enter coupon code: 675E6A - Expires February 1st 2008<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bounce.cc/redirect/kiyonna.php?bounceID=197308&bounceURL=http://www.kiyonna.com/plus-size-clothing/New_Arrivals"><b>Kiyonna.com:</b> Free Ground Shipping on Domestic Orders over $150</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/JJ_Q0-QavTI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com0http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/09/5-secrets-to-online-shopping-happiness.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-81639265153506901672007-09-21T20:27:00.000-07:002007-12-13T20:33:17.925-08:00Measuring for Plus Size Shopping<i>Originally Posted: Perfectly Shaped Life - September 2007</i><br /><br />I am asking stores for permission to post their sizing charts here. In the meantime, while I wait for their responses, here's some general guidelines for measuring, to get you started.<br /><br /><hr><h4>How to Measure Your Body</h4><br /><b>Bust</b><br />Wrap around the fullest part of your bust. Let your arms rest at your sides in a relaxed position.<br /><br /><b>Waist</b><br />First tie a string around your waist. Bend side to side. This is your natural waistline. Wrap the tape measure around your waist. Make sure not to pull too tight.<br /><br /><b>Low Hip</b><br />With your feet together, wrap the tape measure around your hips at your fullest point.<br /><br /><b>Inseams</b><br />Measure from ankle bone to crotch along inside of leg. Petite = 28" Inseam (women under 5'4") Average = 30" Inseam (women 5'4" - 5'7") Tall = 33" (women 5'7" and taller)<br /><br /><b>Swimsuits</b><br />Use your largest size measurements to order. For example, if you have size 1X bust and size 2X hips, order a size 2X. If there is a difference of two sizes (3X bust and 1X hips) we recommend that you order from our separates collection. You can pick the size that is closest for your top and bottom.<br /><br /><b>Chloroban Swimsuits</b> have a unique fit. They don't contain spandex, so they last much longer in the chlorine pool. These unique 100% polyester swimsuits don't stretch as much as nylon / spandex suits do. Make sure to follow the size chart provided. If your body measurements are in between sizes, you may be more comfortable in the larger size.<br /><br /><b>How to Fit a Bra </b><br />While wearing a bra, measure above the bust keeping the tape under your arms and around your shoulder blades. This is your band size. For bust size, measure the fullest part of your bust. Subtract the band measurement from the bust measurement. A difference of 3" is a C cup, 4" is a D cup, 5" is a DD/E cup, 6" is a F cup, 7" is a G cup.<br /><br /><i>(Measurement methods courtesy of <a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/r098tenkem14848A9619584A23" target="_blank" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.junonia.com/home.htm';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;">Junonia.com</a>)</i><div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/UakmasuO9N8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com0http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/09/measuring-for-plus-size-shopping.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-7974035352107181502007-09-21T19:58:00.000-07:002007-12-13T20:33:17.940-08:00Overcoming Plus Size Online Shopping Perils and Pitfalls<i>Originally Posted: Perfectly Shaped Life - September 2007</i><br /><br />(Much of this advice can be applied to online shopping in general, but I'm going to focus on our goal of finding and listing the best plus size shopping locations.)<br /><br />In a perfect life, shopping online would be as simple as opening a browser window that goes directly to the item you want, clicking on the [[I WANT THIS]] button, entering some payment data, and pushing Go.<br /><br />Unfortunately, a perfect life doesn't exist (yet), so we have to do a great deal more work that those four steps. Where do we start?<br /><hr><h4>Time, Time and More Time</h4>One of the biggest complaints I've heard about online shopping is that it takes too much time. Many of us start with a search engine like Google, <b>search for what we want</b>, scan down a few entries, click on what looks interesting, surf the site and not find what we want, go back and find another site, surf that site and not find what we want, find a third site, go back to Google, <b>refine our search</b>, and repeat until we either find what we're looking for or give up and drive to a store, or give up and settle for something close, or give up entirely and decide we don't really need the item THAT bad.<br /><br />It often boils down to a matter of time. Do you have the time to search, surf, plow through dozens of websites that may or may not have what you want? If you're like most of us, the answer to that is a resounding 'NO.'<br /><hr><h4>Build a Solid List of Shopping Sites</h4>You may have a set of favorite plus size shopping sites, and that's great! We'd love to hear from you and know which ones you prefer, so we can add them to our directory of shops. Do you have time to visit them once a day or once a week to watch for sales, special offers, free shipping deals, seasonal clearances? If not, don't worry - we do, and will.<br /><br /><b>We're building a list of recommended stores, based on our own experience and feedback from our readers, and will keep that list updated on this site.</b> You can help! Let us know where you have shopped with success, so we can add to this list!<br /><hr><h4>Spread the Word</h4>Many of the places we shop are well known, like <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/od98iqzwqyDGKGKMLIDFEIFJIFI" target="_blank">Old Navy and their new Women's Plus Online Exclusives,</a> and <a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/r098tenkem14848A9619584A23" target="_blank" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.junonia.com/home.htm';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;">Junonia</a>. <br /><br />But have you heard about <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2626874-1610535" target="_blank" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.biggerbras.com/';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;">Bigger Bras</a>, which offers fuller bras and lingerie with styles by Playtex, Vanity Fair, Tatiana and more? Did you know that <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=2896&u=197308&m=293&urllink=&afftrack=">Kiyonna.com</a> offers a full line of Spanx Body Shapers in the plus sizes we need?<br /><hr><h4>Know the Right Size is the Right Size</h4>Almost every shop is different, just like brick-and-mortar stores (our term for those places down the road where you walk in and shop off of racks). Before you shop online, arm yourself with a good tape measure and pad of paper, and take reliable measurements - bust, waist, hips, inseam - we'll give you some charts to use. Never assume that a 2X jacket available on one site is going to fit just like a size 2X jacket from another site. <b>Check each shop's size charts, just to make sure.</b><br /><hr><h4>Know the Return Policy in Advance</h4>Some online stores have very forgiving return policies, but a few of them are tougher than Fort Knox. Some stores will let you return items after they've been removed from packaging, tried on and worn, and some restrict the type of item that can be returned at all. Usually, for health code reasons, swimsuits and lingerie carry the strictest policies. <b>Be sure to read the policies before placing an order the first time with a new store.</b><br /><hr><h4>Know the Security and Privacy in Advance</h4>You have rights as a consumer. Any store site that wants to take your credit card information or sell things to you online needs to have a clearly written <b>Privacy Statement</b>. This statement should provide you with their policies about email, credit card security, data security, personal information privacy and contact information. <br /><br />These Privacy Statements may be labeled with different names, like Security, Our Commitment to Your Privacy, Security and Privacy, Service and Security, etc. Terms and Conditions of Use may also contain privacy statements, but many firms separate the two to keep them easier to find and read. But no matter what they're called, they are that firm's commitment to protecting your privacy and rights. <b>Read them carefully. If you disagree with their approach, don't shop with them.</b><br /><hr><h4>Protect Your Good Credit</h4>Look for Verisign icons, Better Business Bureau, Security Metrics. You may see TrustE and HackerSafe icons as well, services used to give assurance of a site's reliability and integrity. <br /><br />Shopping cart pages may or may not be provided through secure webpages, depending on the approach the store has taken. However, any place that asks for financial information like a credit card number must be secure pages. <b>Make sure the website page's address starts with https:// (normal pages are http://) before you enter any credit card information.</b><br /><hr><h4>Let Us Know - Good or Bad</h4>If you find a wonderful place to shop, let us know. Leave a comment, so we can add the store to our list of recommended stores.<br /><br />If you find a place that doesn't treat you right, let us know that as well. I want to make sure that our list of recommended stores is going to be the best possible shopping experience for all of us! <br /><hr><h4>Bottom Line</h4>Shopping for plus size clothing online doesn't have to be a painful experience. My goal is to help take out the painful parts, find and provide the best places to shop, gather up handy information and serve it up here in an easy-to-retrieve manner, and cheer you on as you shop and find the fantastic right-sized apparel that helps your own special personality shine through.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/zZLsjeN5_Q0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com0http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/09/overcoming-plus-size-online-shopping.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857013363090649872.post-42915709049535061272007-09-20T19:56:00.000-07:002007-12-13T20:33:17.941-08:00No More Settling for Ugly Clothes<i>Originally Posted: Perfectly Shaped Life - September 2007</i><br /><br /><h4>The Womens Clothing Industry is Starting to Wake Up to the Facts</h4><br />* Fact: Womens Plus Size apparel has been in need of a major overhaul for decades.<br />* Fact: 43% of the retail apparel market is womens plus size apparel.<br />* Fact: Women want clothes that fit and flatter, in all sizes, and especially in sizes 16 to 30.<br />* Fact: Women of our size and shape want fashion forward, current styling, youthful, playful, serious, and business-like.<br />* Fact: In other words, <b>WE WANT CHOICES.</b><br /><br /><h4>News Flash: Apparel Retailers are Missing the Message</h4><br />Reed-thin models may look sharp sashaying down a runway to the murmured accolades of the fashion world. A small fraction of women may actually be able to wear the skinniest jeans, the lowest-riding bikinis, the thongs that leave absolutely nothing to the imagination. And that fraction is shrinking every month (pardon the pun). <br /><br />There's an even larger fraction of us American women who are NOT considered slender, skinny, toothpick, Twiggy, or even small. Well over 65 percent of American adults are overweight by health industry standards, and over 30 percent of them are considered obese. <br /><br />Some retailers are holding back, perhaps thinking that their female adult demographic is 5'10", weighs 112 pounds, and fits into their Junior Petite collections. Either that or we're all are going to wake up one morning and find we've dropped 10-20 dress sizes. Not likely.<br /><br /><h4>The Good News for Us Right-Sized Ladies</h4><br />Some retailers are getting wise to the fact that there really is a market for plus size womens apparel and have started to provide reasonable fashion lines in reasonable sizes, as they become aware that we, too, wear clothes. <br /><br />My hat is off to <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/od98iqzwqyDGKGKMLIDFEIFJIFI" target="_blank">Old Navy for their Women's Plus Online Exclusives,</a> a rapidly expanding and fashionable line of offerings for both younger women and for us mature types.<br /><br /><h4>Why am I writing this blog?</h4><br />I am a former skinny person. I battled my way down from a heavy childhood to a very slender adulthood, and managed to keep the weight off for well over 20 years. <br /><br />However, those days are long gone, and now I'm one of those 65 percent and maybe even in the 30 percent. My skinny self has succumbed to failed diets, and the restrictions of a back injury, chronic pain, and DVT have cramped my previously active lifestyle. Add menopause on top of that, and my old slender size 5 body is ancient history. I accept this (after a long bit of soul-searching and closet-cleaning).<br /><br />I want clothes that I can WEAR. I want shirts that fit. I want slacks that work. I want dresses that don't scream out loud just because someone thinks that overweight women really truly do want to wear neon green Hawaiian muumuu's with 6-inch hot pink hibiscus print. I want waistbands that don't make me look like a queen-sized mattress with a string tied around the middle.<br /><br />Like many not-so-petite people, I hate the thought of spending hours trying on clothes in retail establishments, malls, department stores, and fashion shops. I can read size charts and a tape measure perfectly well in the privacy of my own home, so I have had great luck ordering my wardrobe online. <br /><br />I'm sure that the right-size apparel that we both want and need is out there, scattered around the Internet universe. I'm going to find them and bring the knowledge here, for all of us.<br /><br />Wish me luck, and stay tuned, and let's go Shopping!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Blog companion to Perfectly Shaped World.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PerfectlyShapedWorld/~4/-Oqu0EsrTRI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>MK (Casey) van Bronkhorsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03296157235459890762noreply@blogger.com0http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com/2007/09/no-more-settling-for-ugly-clothes.html